By Agnes Ansah
Accra, March 21, GNA – Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, says Ghana will leverage its full membership in the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) to strengthen ties between Anglophone and Francophone African communities.
Speaking at the 55th anniversary flag raising ceremony of La Francophonie in Accra, he emphasised Ghana’s commitment to shared values of democracy, human rights, cultural diversity, and sustainable development.
“Ghana, under the leadership of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, intends to use her new status with the OIF to promote the values and principles that bind us together.
“We reaffirm our commitment to building bridges between Ghana and Anglophone and Francophone communities,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
The Minister underscored Ghana’s dedication to fostering regional peace, stability, and shared principles, including democracy, human rights, cultural diversity, and sustainable development.
He stressed the importance of promoting these values, especially in light of the current regional and global political climate.
“Indeed, in the context of our current regional and global landscape, the promotion of these ideals has become even more imperative,” he said.
Acknowledging contributions to Ghana’s full membership status, Mr. Ablakwa praised Ambassador Thai Hong Mai, the West African Representative of the OIF, her team, and member states.
Ghana attained full membership in October 2024.
Mr. Maher Kheir, Ambassador of Lebanon and President of the Group of Francophonie Ambassadors, remarked that Ghana’s achievement reflected its commitment to bilingualism, cooperation, and engagement with the Francophone world.
“More than ever, Ghana is poised to play a key role in ECOWAS and regional diplomacy, bridging the gap between English-speaking and French-speaking African countries,” he said.
GNA